[2025] 6 things to do during Golden Week in Kyoto! Tips for avoiding crowds
![[2025] 6 things to do during Golden Week in Kyoto! Tips for avoiding crowds](https://img.activityjapan.com/wi/kyoto-goldenweek_thumb.jpg)
Golden Week (GW) is
Kyoto
A great opportunity to enjoy
!
A place where you can enjoy historic temples and beautiful nature
However, there are a lot of tourists during this time, so crowds can be a concern.
So in this article, Recommended sightseeing spots and activities in Kyoto during Golden Week (GW) Including, Tips for avoiding crowds and hidden spots We will introduce it thoroughly!
table of contents
- 1 When is Golden Week in 2025? Up to 11 consecutive days off possible
-
2
6 things to enjoy in Kyoto during Golden Week
- 2.1 1. Kiyomizu-dera Temple | Enjoy the stage of Kiyomizu surrounded by fresh greenery
- 2.2 2. Arashiyama | Ride a trolley and enjoy the scenery of mountain cherry blossoms and fresh greenery
- 2.3 3. Kinkakuji Temple | Take photos of the golden building that stands out against the fresh greenery
- 2.4 4. Mimuroto Temple | Enjoy the beautiful scenery of blooming azaleas
- 2.5 5. Kurama/Kifune | Enjoy forest bathing at Kurama Temple and Kifune Shrine
- 2.6 6. Philosopher's Path | Stroll along the beautiful Philosopher's Path surrounded by fresh greenery
- 3 Recommended hidden spots in Kyoto for Golden Week (GW)
- 4 Recommended Activities in Kyoto during Golden Week
- 5 Golden Week (GW) Crowds in Kyoto: Predictions and Tips for Avoiding Them
- 6 Enjoy a trip to Kyoto during Golden Week
- 7 Feature articles recommended by the editorial department
When is Golden Week in 2025? Up to 11 consecutive days off possible
Golden Week in 2025 (Reiwa 7) The four-day holiday from May 3rd (Saturday, national holiday) to May 6th (Tuesday, substitute holiday) is the base. It has become.
If you take paid leave on the day before April 29th (Tuesday, national holiday), the weekday of April 28th (Monday), as well as the 30th (Wednesday), May 1st (Thursday), and 2nd (Friday), From Saturday, April 26th to Tuesday, May 6th (substitute holiday), Up to 11 consecutive holidays is possible!
6 things to enjoy in Kyoto during Golden Week
Taking advantage of the precious long holiday Kyoto For those who want to spend Golden Week in Recommended places and ways to enjoy We will introduce you to!
1. Kiyomizu-dera Temple | Enjoy the stage of Kiyomizu surrounded by fresh greenery
A popular spot for viewing autumn leaves Kiyomizu Temple (Kiyomizudera) Also recommended during the season of fresh greenery !
Surrounded by vibrant greenery, the stage juts out from the cliff,
Enjoy a spectacular view of Kyoto city, including Kyoto Tower
can.
Walking in the fresh air is sure to refresh both your body and mind!
moreover,
Kimono rental
If you do so, you will be able to enjoy the Kyoto atmosphere even more.
The contrast between the fresh greenery and the kimono makes for great photos.
.
Come and have a memorable day!
This is a great plan for two people to rent kimonos and yukatas for 5,500 yen. For women, hair styling, which usually costs 1,500 yen, is free, so you can dress up your whole body looking cute♪ Even if you are not good at styling your hair yourself, you can leave it to us☆●You can choose your favorite standard kimono and yukata♪ With this plan,
This is a great deal plan where you can rent a kimono and yukata for 3,500 yen per person. Hair styling, which usually costs 1,500 yen, is free, so you can change into a cute outfit from head to toe♪ Even if you are not good at styling your hair yourself, you can leave it to us☆●You can choose your favorite kimono and yukata♪ With this plan, you can choose your favorite kimono and yukata.
2. Arashiyama | Ride a trolley and enjoy the scenery of mountain cherry blossoms and fresh greenery
Sagano Scenic Train From You can enjoy the beautiful scenery of cherry blossoms and fresh greenery. .
The view from the train window, with sunlight filtering through the trees, is as beautiful as a painting!
Enjoy the harmony of fresh greenery and clear streams, along with the scent of spring.
can.
Together with the Sagano Trolley,
Kimono rental
Enjoy walking around the city,
Tour of famous places
By participating in this tour, you will be able to enjoy Kyoto's charm even more!
If you're interested, be sure to check it out below!
[Day trip/Pick-up from city hotels] Kyoto, Arashiyama trolley train, Sanzen-in Temple
Boarding and disembarking at the meeting point 08:40 ▼Nihonbashi Station, Exit 2 (Namba-Shinsaibashi area) 09:50 ▼Kyoto Station, Hachijo Exit (in front of Seven-Eleven) 07:30-08:30 ▼Pick-up/drop-off/transfer to hotel/private inn, hotel/private inn within the Osaka Loop Line 10:30 ▼Sanzenin Temple (free time to explore/lunch on your own/approximately 140 minutes, fees at your own expense) Sanzenin Temple in Ohara, Kyoto
Ifu. has a wide lineup of kimonos with original designs that can only be found here, and can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It is a kimono rental store that offers a special kimono experience in Arashiyama. There are also discounts for couples, students, and families, and you can upgrade to a high-quality formal kimono. It is located on the 3rd floor of Kyoto Arashiyama Station.
3. Kinkakuji Temple | Take photos of the golden building that stands out against the fresh greenery
"
Kinkakuji Temple
"teeth,
A Zen temple of the Rinzai sect of Buddhism, Shokokuji school
is.
Its official name is Rokuon-ji Temple, but it came to be called Kinkaku-ji Temple because of the famous golden three-story Shariden (Golden Pavilion) on its grounds.
The best thing to see at Kinkakuji is, of course,
A spectacular view created by the harmony between the Shariden and the Japanese garden
!
During Golden Week in particular, the Shariden Hall is especially beautiful when surrounded by fresh greenery, making it perfect for taking photos.
Why not capture the blue sky, greenery, and golden glow in photos and enjoy the unique Kyoto atmosphere? .
In addition to Kinkakuji Temple, I want to visit popular spots in Kyoto " " I want to have a fun experience " People who say, We recommend taking part in tours and experiences That's right!
Boarding and disembarking at the meeting point 08:40▼Nihonbashi Station Exit 2 (Namba-Shinsaibashi area) 09:50▼Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit (in front of Seven-Eleven) 10:30▼Kinkaku-ji Temple (approx. 40 mins) Visiting fees are at the customer's expense. 12:00▼Kiyomizu-dera Temple area (individual visit, free stroll, lunch on your own / approx. 3.5 hours) 15:30▼Fushimi Inari Taisha Shrine (approx. 70 mins) 17:00▼Itinerary for the day
[Kyoto, Kinkakuji area] Food sample experience course (trial course) EASY MODE
Atelier Melty 252 offers an experience course where you can casually enjoy making Japanese food samples. Why not take a break from sightseeing and experience Kyoto's unique food culture while making your own original work? You can take your work home with you. • The shortest time required is 30 minutes. (Including introduction, production, and finishing)
4. Mimuroto Temple | Enjoy the beautiful scenery of blooming azaleas
" Mimuroto Temple "(Mimuro Toji)" is Kyoto ・ Uji City At the temple in One of the best azalea viewing spots in the Kansai region A spot known as is!
Every spring, 20,000 azaleas in a garden of about 16,000 m2 The sight of the colorful azaleas blooming in purple, pink, white, and more, is like a carpet of azaleas!
The best time to see them is usually in late April. Full bloom around Golden Week Be sure to visit at the best time to enjoy the beautiful scenery!
In Uji City,
An experience that creates special memories
Many events are being held!
Why not enjoy it together with your visit to Mimuroto Temple?
Walk around Uji, the ancient capital of Kyoto, in a kimono. Feel free to wear a kimono and go out to tourist spots such as long-established tea shops, the Phoenix Hall of Byodo-in Temple, a World Heritage Site (World Cultural Heritage Site), and Ujikami Shrine. You're sure to find a kimono design that suits your taste. You can choose from a wide variety of new, beautiful kimonos and cute yukatas, and rent them at the bargain price of 3,990 yen (tax included) and up.
[Kyoto/Uji] Matcha making experience (with sweets), easy for beginners and children to experience.
In this plan, you will grind your own matcha in a stone mill and enjoy it with Japanese sweets. We use high-quality Uji matcha, which costs 50,000 yen per kilogram, and we can also provide foreign language support. Even beginners can feel at ease experiencing the traditional Japanese culture of "tea ceremony."
5. Kurama/Kifune | Enjoy forest bathing at Kurama Temple and Kifune Shrine
Kurama and Kibune
teeth,
An area known as Kyoto's inner sanctum
.
One of the area's most popular tourist spots
Kurama Temple
"(Kurama Dara)" is
A temple with over 1,200 years of history
is.
A place associated with Minamoto no Yoshitsune
It is also famous as a power spot.
!
Among them, the most powerful spot is the stone pavement in front of the main hall.
Diamond Floor
"Kongoushou" is a must-see.
It is surrounded by tranquil natural scenery, and is recommended for those who want to recharge their energy through hiking while enjoying nature and history!
" Kifune Shrine "(Kifunejinja)" is A shrine dedicated to the god of water, It is said to bring good luck in finding love. It is also known for .
The combination of the stone steps lined with vermilion lanterns and the fresh greenery is beautiful and fantastical!
Come and spend some time soothing your soul in the silence surrounded by nature.
6. Philosopher's Path | Stroll along the beautiful Philosopher's Path surrounded by fresh greenery
"
Philosopher's Path
"teeth,
A 2km walking path from Ginkakuji to Nanzenji
is.
The name "Philosopher's Path" comes from the fact that Nishida Kitaro, a philosopher and professor at Kyoto University, walked this path every morning to lose himself in deep contemplation.
It is famous as a cherry blossom viewing spot in spring, but the fresh greenery is also beautiful and not to be missed. !
Around the Philosopher's Path,
Temples and shrines
or
Cafe
,
Gallery
There are many sightseeing spots such as these, so you can enjoy walking around the city.
.
Why not take a leisurely stroll and experience the atmosphere of Kyoto?
Recommended hidden spots in Kyoto for Golden Week (GW)
The following three spots are: A hidden spot in Kyoto where you can enjoy fresh greenery and bamboo forests !
If you want to avoid crowds or have already been to the spots introduced above, we also recommend visiting the following spots.
- Keishun-in Temple, Myoshinji Temple : There are four gardens that are designated as national historic sites and scenic spots. In spring, you can enjoy the colorful moss as well as the azaleas and satsuki flowers.
- Unryu-in Temple : The temple is famous for its "Enlightenment Window" and "Shikishi Window," which are paintings of seasonal scenery. You can enjoy the fresh greenery at your leisure.
- Bamboo Temple Jizoin : A hidden gem with a tranquil bamboo forest. Enjoy a relaxing stroll.
Recommended Activities in Kyoto during Golden Week
Based on the latest reservation data from Activity Japan, Kyoto's popular activities and leisure experiences ranking " Let's take a look!
|
#1 in popularity
|
Japanese sweets making experience |
|
2nd most popular
|
Traditional culture experience (Maiko experience, etc.) |
|
3rd most popular
|
Tea ceremony classes and tea ceremony experiences |
|
4th most popular
|
Swordsmithing tour and swordsmithing experience |
|
5th most popular
|
Handmade accessories experience |
Japanese sweets making experience or Handmade accessories experience Etc. Manufacturing experience , Maiko experience or Tea ceremony experience such as Traditional Culture Experience A wide range of experiences are selected.
Golden Week (GW) Crowds in Kyoto: Predictions and Tips for Avoiding Them
Popular tourist spots such as Kiyomizu-dera Temple, Arashiyama, and Kinkaku-ji Temple are expected to be crowded, so If you want to travel smoothly, you need to be creative. is.
- Early morning visit : We recommend arriving at major tourist sites by 8am.
- Check the congestion status : Check the crowd situation online in advance and plan your trip accordingly.
- Use of public transport : Use trains efficiently and avoid traffic jams.
Enjoy a trip to Kyoto during Golden Week
Kyoto teeth, With an abundance of historic temples and soothing scenery, it's a tourist destination worth visiting over the long holidays. !
During Golden Week, We recommend this place because you can enjoy the nature that is unique to this season, such as cherry blossoms, azaleas, and fresh greenery. is.
Traditional Cultural Experience or Manufacturing experience Be sure to incorporate these into your sightseeing plans to make the most of your trip to Kyoto.
*The content of this article is current as of March 2025.
Featured image provided by:
PIXTA
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